Krauss in strong position to make roster

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- While the Astros continue to look externally to find possible solutions at first base, it appears Marc Krauss has put himself in good position to break camp with the club, especially considering that he can play the corner outfield spots and designated hitter.

Jesus Guzman is still squarely in the mix and could platoon with Krauss, and infielder/outfielder Marwin Gonzalez was taking ground balls at first base during drills on Friday morning and will see time there in games. Astros manager Bo Porter said Japhet Amador, who reported late to camp because his wife was ill, is behind the others.

"You look at early in the [camp] and the time in which he missed, the other guys are ahead of him at this point," Porter said. "We have to get those guys ready for the season, but we want to try to get him as many plate appearances as well, to prepare for his season as well."

Porter isn't ready to say Guzman or Krauss has made the roster just yet. Guzman, a right-handed hitter, is hitting .154 with one homer and two RBIs entering Friday, and Krauss, a lefty, is hitting .344 with two homers and three RBIs.

"We've obviously had guys that have had good springs, and if you look at the number of guys we have left in camp, you could project they made the roster," Porter said. "Have we made any official announcements? No, we haven't made any official announcements, except for the ones as far as the rotation goes, but that will be coming real soon."